FEASIBILITY OF AN ERGONOMIC ATMOSPHERIC

Introduction Problem Definition The assignment is aimed at a feasibility study of a at- < 40 meters mospheric diving suit that is operational between 30- 60 meter water depths. By implementing atmospheric diving at these depths Boskalis is able to expand their diving operations and increase their diving employabil-

> 30 ity and potential. Bridging the gap between air and sat- meters uration diving with a workable atmospheric suit, allow > 40 meters divers to make long and efficient dives.The suit should protect against the increasing but still allow fine hand dexterity to perform underwater con- struction work. Air Diving ADS Diving

Boskalis is a leading global maritime services company operating in the dredging and inland infra, offshore en- ergy, and towage and salvage sectors. As a part of their activities, they deploy divers in all kinds of operations and environments e.g. inspections and construction works around offshore installations and underwater aid for salvage operations. The high costs of saturation div- ing, limited diving time of air diving and limited worka- bility of the , attracts for a design challenge towards a merging alternative and feasibility study to future opportunities.

Tendon Glove Prosthetic Hand Cover the divers hand with a Implementation of prosthetic thick reinforced glove pro- assistance could replace the tecting him agains the pres- urge of human diving in the Atmospheric Atmospheric sure will allow him to do un- future. Actuated by flex sen- Diving Suit Diving Suit derwater work. To overcome sors, the diver controls the the glove resistance, artifi- prosthetic hand. Future im- cial tendons are actuated by plementation of haptic feed- touch sensors at he fingertips back systems will determine of the glove. This will assist the success and the ability to the diver while gabbing, giv- do . ing him a helping hand.

Reinforced Glove Flex Sensors Artificial Tendons

Prosthetic Hand

Mick Winters Committee Ir. R.J.H.G. van Heur Feasibility of an Ergonomic Atmospheric Diving Suit Ing. A. de Smit 3th June 2016 Itegrated Product Design Company Boskalis

Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering